Subaru’s turbocharged performance engines have two major long‑term reliability concerns: rod bearing failures in the FA20DIT WRX and ringland failures in the EJ257 STI. Both issues can lead to catastrophic engine damage and costly repairs or full engine replacement.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Subaru | WRX | Caution |
Engine RPO: FA20DIT Issues: rod bearing failure, spun bearings, oil starvation, catastrophic engine damage Notes: failures often require full engine replacement; commonly reported in tuned and stock vehicles |
|
| 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Subaru | WRX STI | Caution |
Engine RPO: EJ257 Issues: detonation, cracked ringlands, loss of compression, high repair cost Notes: ringland failures widely documented; often requires short block replacement |
While no major nationwide class action has been certified specifically for FA20DIT rod bearings or EJ257 ringland failures, both issues are heavily documented in owner forums, technical communities, and independent mechanic reports. Many failures occur outside warranty, leading to costly engine replacements.